Method and apparatus using a control signal to designate a print area on a recording medium

ABSTRACT

In a communication control system between a device for outputting image data, and a recording apparatus for recording an image on a recording medium in units of predetermined unit recording widths in accordance with the image data output from the device, the device requests, to the recording apparatus, information associated with an image data amount necessary for recording an image in the predetermined unit recording width, and the recording apparatus sends back the information associated with the image data amount to the device in response to the request from the device. The information associated with the image data amount is variable.

This application is a division of application Ser. No. 07/765,944 filedSep. 26, 1991.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

The present invention relates to a communication control system for animage recording apparatus.

Conventionally, a recording apparatus which receives externally inputimage data, and obtains a reproduced image is known. In a recordingapparatus of this type, e.g., an ink-jet printer which comprisesmulti-nozzles for discharging an ink, and can record a color image bydischarging corresponding color inks from the nozzles onto a recordingmedium on the basis of externally input print data, multi-nozzle headscorresponding to the number of color inks are mounted, and a color imagecan be recorded by sequentially discharging inks from the nozzles on thebasis of external image data (print data).

The multi-nozzle printer can record a binary image by executingbinarization processing based on color print data. In this case, thefollowing data communications (1) and (2) are often performed.

(1) A binary image obtained by converting multi-value image data into abinary image by an external apparatus, e.g., a host computer istransmitted to a printer, and is recorded on a recording medium.

(2) An external apparatus, e.g., a host computer transmits multi-valueimage data to a printer, and the printer records a binary image on arecording medium while executing binarization processing of themulti-value image data.

In particular, when binary image recording processing is performed basedon multi-value image data by the method (2), the printer comprises anoverlap memory having a binarization processing function, multi-valueimage data of a peripheral portion exceeding a print width are writtenin the overlap memory to overlap the data of the print width, and binaryimage data corresponding to the print width are generated on the basisof stored pixel data.

However, the external apparatus as a communication source side mustcheck the overlap memory capacity on the basis of the type (registered)of a printer to be connected, and cannot detect the overlap memorycapacity if the printer is a nonregistered printer. Thus, the externalapparatus must execute transfer sequential processing for, e.g.,designating the type of printer, and a considerable time is requireduntil a desired binary image is obtained.

Furthermore, when some of the multi-nozzles suffer from ink dischargingerrors, print processing is interrupted, or is continued with errors.Thus, a desired color image cannot often be obtained.

Some ink-Jet printers can record data on a plurality of types of sheetssuch as roll paper, cut sheets, OHP sheets, and the like. However, suchprinters must change a print sequence depending on the types of sheetsto be subjected to recording, and must comprise, e.g., large capacityimage memories to cope with this problem.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

The present invention has been made in consideration of the abovesituation, and is as its object to provide an improved communicationcontrol system.

It is another object of the present invention to provide a communicationcontrol system which can perform data transmission to match with a printcondition.

It is still another object of the present invention to provide acommunication control system in which data associated with a printcapacity is transmitted from the image recording apparatus side, and adesired amount of data can be transmitted while varying the amount ofdata to be transmitted to match with a print condition.

It is still another object of the present invention to provide acommunication control system in which data associated with a one-lineprint width or data associated with an overlap amount of data necessaryfor printing one-line data is transmitted from the image recordingapparatus side, and the desired amount of data can be transmitted whilevarying the amount of data to be transmitted.

It is still another object of the present invention to provide acommunication control system which can change a print sequence withoutincreasing a memory for storing image data.

The above and other objects of the present invention will becomeapparent from the accompanying drawings, and the following descriptions.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is a block diagram for explaining a print mechanism of arecording apparatus according to an embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 2 is a block diagram for explaining a control arrangement of aprinter main body shown in FIG. 1;

FIG. 3 is a chart for explaining image data reception processing from acontroller shown in FIG. 2;

FIG. 4 is a block diagram for explaining a schematic arrangement of aprinter controller shown in FIG. 2;

FIG. 5 is an illustration for explaining a binarization processingmethod by a binarization processing circuit shown in FIG. 4;

FIG. 6 is an illustration showing a reproduced image area printed by ahead section shown in FIG. 4;

FIGS. 7A and 7B show communication data between the controller and theprinter main body shown in FIG. 2;

FIGS. 8A and 8B show bit structures of execution commands and statusrequest commands shown in FIGS. 7A and 7B;

FIGS. 9A and 9B are flow charts showing a print operation controlsequence of the controller;

FIG. 10 is a flow chart for explaining a print operation;

FIG. 11 is an illustration showing in detail a sheet feed stageselection command;

FIGS. 12A and 12B are flow charts showing another print operationcontrol sequence of the controller; and

FIG. 13 is a flow chart for explaining another print operation.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

FIG. 1 is a block diagram for explaining a print mechanism of arecording apparatus which embodies the present invention, andexemplifies an ink-jet type multi-nozzle printer.

In FIG. 1, a printer main body 1 discharges color inks to reproduce afull-color image on a sheet 7 as a recording medium while reciprocallyscanning the sheet 7 in a direction of an arrow B (sub-scanningdirection) by, e.g., a stepping motor and guide rollers (neither areshown). Note that a stay 2 is arranged on the main body 1.

Multi-nozzle heads 3 to 6 respectively store cyan, magenta, yellow, andblack inks. In this embodiment, the multi-nozzle heads 3 to 6 producebubbles by heat energy generated by electro-thermal converters, anddischarge ink droplets by the bubbles, thereby recording data.

In each of the multi-nozzle heads 3 to 6, 128 nozzles are aligned in thesheet carrying (sub-scanning) direction B, and a diameter per unitnozzle is 63.5 μm, so that each head can perform a print operation for8.128 mm at a time. The multi-nozzle heads 3 to 6 are scanned in adirection of an arrow A (main scanning direction) in FIG. 1 on the stay2. Thus, a color or monochrome print operation having a print width(band) of 8.128 mm can be performed during one scanning. Therefore, thesheet 7 is repetitively subjected to a one-band print operation in thedirection of the arrow B, thus obtaining a reproduced image thereon.

FIG. 2 is a block diagram for explaining a control arrangement of theprinter main body 1 shown in FIG. 1, and the same reference numerals inFIG. 2 denote the same parts as in FIG. 1.

In FIG. 2, a controller 310 as an external apparatus is connected to theprinter main body 1 via an image signal line 300, an image controlsignal line 301, and a communication control signal line 302. Thecontroller 310 and the printer main body 1 communicate with each other,so that, for example, the controller 310 transmits 8-bit code data in acommand format to the printer main body 1, and the printer main body 1analyzes the transmitted command and sends back response data (status)corresponding to the received code data to the controller 310. A printercontroller 1a comprises an image buffer which also serves as a jointmemory, a binarization processing means, and the like.

The image signal line 300 includes eight signal lines, and transmitsthree, e.g., red, green, and blue picture element multi-value data (8bits in this embodiment) to the printer main body 1 in synchronism witha control signal on the image control signal line 301.

The image control signal line 301 transmits a control signal forcommunicating an image to the controller 310, as will be described indetail later.

The communication control signal line 302 is one for communicatingvarious data, and includes an interface such as an RS232C.

In the recording apparatus with the above arrangement, when print dataexceeding a unit print width of a recording means (constituted by themulti-nozzle heads 3 to 6, and the like in this embodiment) is received,the binarization processing means (a binarization processing circuit 405to be described later in this embodiment) generates binary print datacorresponding to the unit print width on the basis of the print dataexceeding the unit print width of the recording means, and a firstcommunication means (the printer controller 1a in this embodiment)transmits a print data amount exceeding the unit print width inaccordance with a request from an external apparatus, thus causing theexternal apparatus to recognize the print data amount exceeding the unitprint width which is uniquely determined for each type of printer.

When the external apparatus requests transmission of a desired receptiondata amount corresponding to the print width of the recording means, asecond communication means (also the printer controller 1a in thisembodiment) sends back a desired reception data amount corresponding toan arbitrary print width which can be printed by the recording means inresponse to the above request, and the external apparatus varies atransmission data amount to match with a print condition of a printer tobe connected.

Furthermore, the recording means records an image on the recordingmedium while generating binary print data corresponding to the unitprint width on the basis of color print data exceeding the unit printwidth of the recording means, which is generated by the binarizationprocessing means.

FIG. 3 is a chart for explaining image data reception processing fromthe controller 310 shown in FIG. 2. As described above, image data aretransmitted in units of bands. In this case, image data corresponding tothe number of bands necessary for obtaining a reproduced image are sentfrom the controller 310 to the printer main body 1.

Communications in units of bands are performed in synchronism with animage identification signal BVE. One-band image data is constituted as amain-scanning group of image data for one line (normally, 128 pixels)corresponding to the number of nozzles. One-line image data istransmitted in synchronism with a horizontal sync signal HSYNC as animage control signal.

One-line image data is constituted by image data corresponding in numberto nozzles.

Image data is constituted by R, G, and B picture element data of threeprimary colors as constituting elements of color data, and dummy pictureelement data (each picture element=8 bits). The picture element data aretransmitted in synchronism with an image clock VCLK as an image controlsignal.

FIG. 4 is a block diagram for explaining a schematic arrangement of theprinter shown in FIG. 2. The arrangement and operation of the printerwill be described below.

One pixel (three, i.e., R, G, and B picture elements) data transmittedfrom the controller 310 is converted into cyan (C), magenta (M), andyellow (Y) density data by a LOG transformation circuit 400. A BKproducing.UCR circuit 401 produces a black signal (BK). An edgeemphasis-smoothing circuit 402 performs edge emphasis processing andsmoothing processing of the data. The data are input to an unevennesscorrection circuit 403 for correcting an unevenness caused bymanufacturing precision of the nozzles and the like. The data are thensubjected to a density correction by a γ correction or conversioncircuit 404 on the basis of ink characteristics of the respectivecolors. The corrected data are then binarized by the binarizationprocessing circuit 405 (to be described later), and the binary data areprinted on the sheet 7 by a head section 406.

FIG. 5 is an illustration showing a binarization processing method bythe binarization processing circuit 405 shown in FIG. 4.

As can be seen from FIG. 5, when a pixel 221 is to be binarized,binarization processing is performed with reference to a total of 12previously binarized pixels 203 to 207, 211 to 215, 219, and 220.

Since each head comprises 128 nozzles, when pixels corresponding to the128th nozzle are to be correctly binarized, image data of pixels 206,207, 214, and 215 to be printed in the next band are required, and 130pixels are required as the number of pixels transmitted from thecontroller 310 in one line.

In this embodiment, the edge emphasis.smoothing circuit 402 can performedge emphasis.smoothing processing, and the edge emphasis.smoothingprocessing uses a 3×3 pixel matrix having a pixel of interest as thecenter.

Therefore, in order to execute edge emphasis.smoothing processing of thefirst pixel of a given line, the final picture element of theimmediately preceding band in the same line is required. For thisreason, in order to print one-line data, the band width requires jointpixel data (pixel data necessary for normally joining adjacent bands)including one pixel in the immediately preceding band and two pixels inthe next band, and the band width is normally defined by 131 pixels. Asshown in FIG. 5, in the case of an mth line, when an nth band is to beprinted, the controller 310 transmits pixels 200 to 207, and when an(n+1)th band is to be printed, it starts transmission from the pixel205. As a result, the pixels 200 and 205 to 207 are transmitted tooverlap each other.

FIG. 6 shows a reproduced image area printed by the head section 406shown in FIG. 4.

As can be seen from FIG. 6, right and left blanks (margins) of 5 mm, aleading blank of 16 mm, and a trailing blank of 18 mm (non-print areas)are set due to mechanical limitations of the printer main body 1.

An image is reproduced by sequentially printing bands indicated bydotted lines in FIG. 6 in the sheet carrying direction.

In this case, although one band is regularly printed with a 128-pixelwidth, the final band often includes an irregular number of pixels dueto the limitation of the blank. As for the above-mentioned joint pixels,processing is performed by transferring the same data as the first pixelas a leading joint pixel of the first band, and the same data as thefinal pixel of a corresponding line as a trailing joint pixel of thelast band by the controller 310.

FIGS. 7A and 7B show communication data between the controller 310 andthe printer main body 1 shown in FIG. 2. FIG. 7A shows a list ofprincipal execution commands (transmitted when the controller 310requests an operation to the printer main body 1) to be transmitted fromthe controller 310 to the printer main body 1, and FIG. 7B shows a listof principal status request commands (transmitted when the controller310 wants to obtain data from the printer main body 1) to be transmittedfrom the controller 310 to the printer main body 1.

As described above, control data forms one code by 8 bits in the RS232Cformat. In this case, the controller 310 sends an instruction (command),and the printer main body i sends back response data (status) inresponse to the command.

An execution command (code 81_(HEX)) shown in FIG. 7A corresponds to astatus interval designation command, and is transmitted from thecontroller 310 to the printer main body 1 when an interval time ofresponses from the printer main body 1 is designated.

An execution command (code 88_(HEX)) corresponds to a print operationstart designation command. Upon reception of this command, the printermain body 1 starts print pre-processing such as a sheet feed operation.

An execution command (code 8C_(HEX)) corresponds to a one-band printready command for allowing the printer to output various image signals.Upon reception of the execution command (code 8C_(HEX)), the printermain body 1 executes a one-band print operation while outputting variousimage control signals.

An execution command (code 8F_(HEX)) corresponds to an area designationcommand for designating a print position, size, and the like of an imageto be printed. In this command, data following a header 8F_(HEX) candesignate a start position and size of an area.

An execution command (code 90_(HEX)) corresponds to a print enforcementend command. Upon reception of the execution command (code 90_(HEX)),the printer main body 1 delivers the sheet 7 outside the apparatus, andends the print operation.

An execution command (code C3_(HEX)) corresponds to a sheet feed stageselection command. Since the printer main body 1 comprises two sheetfeed stages storing sheets having different sizes, this executioncommand is transmitted from the controller 310 when one of the sheetfeed stages is designated.

A status request command (40_(HEX)) shown in FIG. 7B corresponds to awhole status request command for requesting whole status data of theprinter main body 1. Upon reception of this status command (40_(HEX)),the printer main body 1 assigns whole status data, i.e., data indicatingthe presence/absence of an error, a busy state, and the like to therespective bits of status data, and responds to the controller 310 usingthe status data.

A status request command (44_(HEX)) corresponds to a sheet informationrequest command, and is transmitted from the controller 310 when thesize of sheets stored in the printer main body 1 is to be detected.

A status request command (46_(HEX)) corresponds to a command forrequesting error details, and is transmitted from the controller 310when details of an error occurring in the printer main body 1 are to bedetected.

A status request command (52_(HEX)) is a device type request commandwhich indicates a device connected to the controller 310. In thisembodiment, the printer main body 1 is the corresponding device.

A status request command (54_(HEX)) is a command for communicating thenumber of joint pixels described above, and is prepared, so that thecontroller 310 can cope with a change in the number of joint pixels dueto changes in future print processing and the type of printer. Thiscommand is transmitted to the printer main body 1.

A status request command (56_(HEX)) corresponds to a command forrequesting the number of one-band width pixels, and is prepared, so thatthe controller 310 can cope with a change in the number of print pixelsin one line in, e.g., the final band. This command is transmitted to theprinter main body 1.

A status request command (58_(HEX)) corresponds to a blank lengthcommand, and is prepared so that the controller 310 can cope with achange in blank length when future print processing and the type ofprinter are changed. This command is transmitted to the printer mainbody 1.

A status request command (5A_(HEX)) corresponds to a command forrequesting the number of one-band printable pixels, and is prepared sothat the controller 310 can cope with a change in the number of one-bandprintable pixels when future print processing and the type of printerare changed. This command is transmitted to the printer main body 1.

FIGS. 8A and 8B show bit structures of the execution command and thestatus request command shown in FIGS. 7A and 7B. FIG. 8A shows a jointpixel number request command 701, and FIG. 8B shows a one-band widthpixel number request command 704. The printer main body 1 which receivedthe joint pixel number request command (54_(HEX)) 701 from thecontroller 310 transmits status data (status 1)g 702 (bit "1" to bit "6"represent the number of band leading joint pixels). Note that in thisembodiment, since the number of pixels is one, the printer main body 1sends back status data "03_(HEX) ".

Bit "0" of the status data (status 1) 702 is set to be "1" when anotherstatus data follows, and bit "7" is set to be "1" when a command isabnormal. Thus, the status data is sent back to the controller 310.

Therefore, when the printer main body 1 normally receives the Jointpixel number request command (54_(HEX)) 701, "0" is set in bit "7".

The number of band trailing Joint pixels is set using bit "1" to bit "6"of status data (status 2) 703, and the status data is sent back to thecontroller 310.

More specifically, in response to the Joint pixel number request command(54_(HEX)) 701 from the controller 310, two status data "03_(HEX) " 702and "04_(HEX) " 703 are sent back.

When a one-band width pixel number request command (56_(HEX)) istransmitted to the printer main body 1, the printer main body 1represents the upper 6 bits of the number of pixels using bit "1" to bit"6" of status data (status 1) 705, represents the lower 6 bits of thenumber of pixels using bit "1" to bit "6" of status data (status 2) 706,and sends these status data. For this reason, in this embodiment, sincethe number of pixels is normally 128 (80_(HEX)) except for the lastband, the status data (status 1) 705 becomes "05_(HEX) ", and the statusdata (status 2) 706 becomes "00_(HEX) ".

The print control operation of the recording apparatus according to thepresent invention will be described below with reference to the flowcharts shown in FIGS. 9A and 9B.

FIGS. 9A and 9B are flow charts showing a print control sequence in therecording apparatus according to the present invention. Note that (1) to(23) designate steps.

The controller 310 checks in step (1) if the printer main body 1 isready to perform communications (if a communication control signalDPRDY="1"). If YES in step (1), it is checked in step (2) if statusinterval designation is needed. If NO in step (2), the flow advances tostep (4) and the subsequent steps; otherwise, a status interval isdesignated using the status interval designation command "81_(HEX) " instep (3). The type of printer connected to the controller is requestedusing the device type request command "52_(HEX) " in step (4), and thenumber of joint pixels before and after a band is requested using thejoint pixel number request command "54_(HEX) " in step (5).

Then, the number of one-band printable pixels is requested using theone-band printable pixel number request command "5_(HEX) " in step (6),thereby confirming the maximum band size which can be printed by theprinter main body 1.

It is checked in step (7) if a print request is generated on thecontroller 310. If YES in step (7), the flow advances to step (11) andthe subsequent steps; otherwise, the whole status is requested using thewhole status command "40_(HEX) " in step (8), and error details arerequested using the error detail request command "46_(HEX) " in step(9). In addition, sheet information is requested using the sheetinformation request command "44_(HEX) " in step (10). The flow thenreturns to step (7).

On the other hand, if YES in step (7) (the print request is generated),a sheet feed stage is designated using the sheet feed stage selectioncommand "C3_(HEX) " in step (11).

Then, a blank length is requested using the blank length command"58_(HEX) " in step (12) to confirm the blank size. Thereafter, a printarea on a sheet is designated using the area designation command"8F_(HEX) " in step (13).

The print operation start is designated using the print operation startdesignation command "88_(HEX) " in step (14). In response to thiscommand, the printer main body 1 conveys a sheet from the designatedsheet feed stage to a print position, and then starts the printoperation.

It is then checked in step (15) if the stop request is generated on thecontroller 310. If YES in step (15), the print enforcement end command"90_(HEX) " is designated in step (16) to stop the print operation, andthe flow returns to step (7).

On the other hand, if NO is determined in step (15), the number ofone-line pixels is requested using the one-band width pixel numberrequest command "56_(HEX) " in step (17). The printer controller 1a ofthe printer main body 1 calculates the required number of bands on thebasis of area designation from the controller 310 to calculate each bandwidth (number of pixels per line), and informs the controller 310accordingly. The controller 310 calculates the number of pixels to betransmitted on the basis of the received band width and the number ofJoint pixels, and prepares for transmission in step (18).

Upon completion of the preparation for transmission, one-band printready designation is made using the one-band print ready command"8C_(HEX) " in step (19).

Upon reception of the one-band print ready command "8C_(HEX) ", theprinter main body 1 sends an image control signal to print one-banddata, and to feed a sheet by one band.

The controller 310 then requests the one-band print operation status inthe printer main body 1 using the whole status command "40_(HEX) " instep (20), and monitors the end of the one-band print operation by theprinter main body 1 on the basis of data in the status command.

If it is determined in step (21) that an error occurs or if it isdetermined in step (22) that the print operation of the final band isended, the print operation is ended, and the flow returns to step (7).

On the other hand, if no error occurs, and the print operation of thefinal band is not ended (during the print operation of one page),one-band print end data in the whole status command "40_(HEX) " iswaited in step (23), and thereafter, the flow returns to step (15) toprepare for transmission of the next band.

Printer control in the print operation will be explained below withreference to the flow chart shown in FIG. 10. If it is determined instep S51 that a print operation start designation command is receivedfrom the controller 310, the sheet feed operation is started from thedesignated sheet feed stage in step S52. If it is determined in step S53that the print enforcement end command is received, the sheet isdelivered, and the print operation is ended in step S54. However, if noprint enforcement end command is received, the printer waits for theprint ready command in step S55. If the printer receives the print readycommand, it executes a one-band print operation in step S56. Uponcompletion of the print operation of the entire area, the sheet isdelivered in step S58, and the print operation is ended.

As described above, according to this embodiment, since the binarizationmeans for obtaining binary print data corresponding to a unit printwidth on the basis of print data exceeding the unit print width of therecording means, and the first communication means for sending back aprint data amount exceeding the unit print width in accordance with anexternal request are arranged, the print data amount exceeding the unitprint width of the recording means can be easily informed to an externalapparatus in accordance with the external request. Even when areceivable unit print width varies in units depending on the type ofprinter, print data can be received without disturbing binarizationprocessing. Since a print data amount exceeding a unit print width canbe set in units depending on the type of printer, the capacity of theimage buffer can be decreased as much as possible, and memory cost canbe greatly reduced.

Since the second communication means for sending back a desiredreception data amount corresponding to an arbitrary print width whichcan be printed by the recording means in accordance with an externalrequest is provided, even if an abnormality occurs in the recordingmeans due to any cause, print data corresponding to a possible printwidth can be received, and print processing free from trouble can becontinued.

Furthermore, since the recording means records a color image on arecording medium on the basis of externally input print data, an imagecan be recorded on the recording medium while generating binary printdata corresponding to a unit print width on the basis of color printdata exceeding the unit print width of the recording means.

Therefore, a print data capacity matching with a print condition of therecording means can be informed to an external apparatus, and even whenthe type of printer is changed, communication processing of print datacan be easily continued.

An embodiment wherein the type of sheet is further selected using asheet feed stage selection command (C3_(HEX)) will be described below.

FIG. 11 shows the sheet feed stage selection command in detail. The typeof sheet is selected using an operation unit (not shown) of a controller310, and is instructed to a printer 1 through communication lines. Theprinter 1 of this embodiment has, as sheet feed means, roll paper, acassette storing cut sheets, and a manual feed function. One of thesemeans is selected using a C-parameter 1.

As the types of sheet, three types of sheet, i.e., normal or usualsheets, back print films, and OHP sheets are available, and one of thesetypes of sheet is selected by a C-parameter 2. The back print film isprepared by coating an ink absorbing material on a sheet formed of atransparent material such as PET, and the surface coated with the inkabsorbing material will be referred to as a coat surface hereinafter.When a print operation is performed from the coat surface side, sinceink is absorbed by the absorbing material, a printed image can beobserved from the non-coat surface side. Since the non-coat surface isformed of PET, a glossy reproduced image can be obtained. In this case,light may be radiated on the image using, e.g., a fluorescent lamp fromthe coat surface side, so as to be used in, e.g., a display.

However, depending on whether or not an image is observed whileradiating light on an image from the coat surface side, hues vary due toan overlapping state of inks, transmittance of light, and the like.Thus, a case wherein light is radiated on an image is defined as aninternal illumination mode, and a case wherein no light is radiated onan image is defined as a reflection mode, so that hues are changed byimage processing (by a UCR circuit, a gamma conversion, or the like).Since an image is printed on the coat surface, and is observed from thenon-coat surface side, a mirror image must be printed. In thisembodiment, the controller 310 outputs image data as a mirror image.

Since an OHP sheet is a sheet formed of a material such as PET, the inkabsorption property of the OHP sheet is inferior to that of normalsheets. In this embodiment, when an OHP sheet is used, C and M imagesare printed first, and then, Y and K images are printed without feedingthe sheet under the control of an output control circuit, so that inkscan be absorbed while spending a long period of time for a single printoperation. Therefore, in this embodiment, when an image is printed on anOHP sheet, the controller 310 outputs the same image twice for each bandto obtain a reproduced image.

Print control in the controller 310 will be described below withreference to the flow charts shown in FIGS. 12A and 12B. It is checkedin step S800 (based on a DPRDY signal as one of communication signals)if the printer is ready to perform communications. If it is determinedin step S800 that the printer is ready to perform communications, it ischecked in step S801 if status interval designation is needed. If YES instep S801, a status interval is designated using a status intervaldesignation command (81H) in step S802. The type of the printer 1connected to the controller is confirmed using a device type request(52H) in step S803. The number of joint pixels before and after a givenband is requested using a joint pixel number request (54H) in step S804.The maximum band size which can be printed by the printer is confirmedusing a one-band printable pixel number request (5AH) in step S805. Itis then checked in step S806 if a print request is generated on thecontroller 310. If NO in step S806, the printer state is alwaysmonitored using a whole status request (40H), an error detail request(46H), and a sheet information request (44H) in steps S807, S808, andS809.

If YES in step S806, a sheet feed stage, a sheet type, and the like aredesignated using a sheet feed stage selection command (C3H) in stepS901. After the sizes of blanks on a sheet are confirmed using a blanklength request (58H) in step S902, a print area on the sheet isdesignated using an area designation command (8FH) in step S903. Then, aprint operation start designation command (88H) is issued in step S904.The printer 1 starts a print operation, e.g., conveys a sheet from thedesignated sheet feed stage to a print start position, and so on, aswill be described in detail later.

If it is determined in step S905 that a stop request is generated on thecontroller, a print enforcement end command (90H) is issued to stop theprint operation in step S906. If no stop request is generated, thenumber of one-band pixels is requested using a one-band pixel numberrequest (56H) in step S907. The printer 1 calculates the required numberof bands on the basis of the area designation from the controller 310,and also calculates each band width (the number of pixels per line). Theprinter sequentially informs the calculation results to the controller310. The controller calculates the number of pixels to be transmitted onthe basis of the received band width and the number of Joint pixels, andprepares for transmission of pixels in step S908.

When a one-band image is prepared, if it is determined in step S909 thata back print film is selected, a mirror image output setting operationis performed in step S910. In this embodiment, the image position isinverted on a memory to form a mirror image. Then, a one-band printready command (8SC) is issued in step S911. Upon reception of theone-band print ready command, the printer 1 outputs image controlsignals to print one-band data, and to feed a sheet by one band. Thecontroller 310 requests a whole status, and waits for the end of theone-band print operation in step S912.

If it is determined in step S913 that an error occurs or if it isdetermined in step S914 that one-page print end data is received beforethe one-band print operation is ended, the print operation is stopped.If it is determined in step S915 that one-band print end data isreceived, it is checked in step S916 if the first one-band printoperation on the OHP sheet is ended. If YES in step S916, the same datais output again; otherwise, the next band is developed.

Printer control in the print operation will be described below withreference to the flow chart shown in FIG. 13. When the print operationstart designation command is received from the controller in step S101,a sheet feed operation from the designated sheet feed stage is startedin step S102. If a print enforcement end command is received in stepS103, a sheet is delivered, and the print operation is ended in stepS104. If no print enforcement end command is received, a print readycommand is waited in step S105. Upon reception of the print readycommand, it is checked in step S106 if an OHP sheet is selected. If NOin step S106, an output control circuit 406 simultaneously prints C, M,Y, and K images in step S108. If the OHP sheet is selected, and thefirst one-band print operation is to be performed, a print operation ofonly C and M images is permitted (steps S107 and S109), and if it isdetermined that the second one-band print operation is to be performed,a print operation of only Y and K images is permitted in step S110.Thereafter, the one-band print operation is performed in step S111. Ifit is determined in step S112 that the first one-band print operationfor the OHP sheet is performed, the flow returns to a one-band printready waiting state. If the second one-band print operation is ended oranother type of sheet is selected, a sheet is fed by one band in stepS113. If it is determined in step S114 that the print operation of theentire area is not ended, the flow returns to a print ready commandwaiting state in steps S103 and S105. If it is determined that the printoperation of the entire area is ended, the sheet is delivered in stepS104, and the print operation is ended.

As described above, according to this embodiment, the full-color printer1, which comprises multi-nozzle heads in correspondence with respectivecolors, produces an image on the basis of image data from thecontroller, communicates the sheet type with the controller 310, andchanges an image data communication method accordingly, so that varioustypes of sheets can be used with a simple arrangement, and nolarge-capacity storage memory is required.

In the above embodiment, the sheet type is selected by the controller.However, the printer may detect the sheet type and communicate it to thecontroller as status data, and the controller may perform image outputcontrol based on the received data. If the sheet type is detected by theprinter, a command for updating to new data every other print operationif an OHP sheet is selected, or a command for outputting a mirror imageif a back print film is selected is issued from the printer to thecontroller in units of bands, and the controller outputs an imageaccording to the command, the controller need not determine the sheettype to change its control.

Note that this embodiment has exemplified a recording apparatus using arecording head which adopts a specific ink-jet method among ink-jetrecording methods, and forms flying liquid droplets by utilizing heatenergy to record an image.

The typical arrangement and principle of the ink-jet recording methodare preferably realized based on the basic principle disclosed in U.S.Pat. Nos. 4,723,129 and 4,740,796. This method can be applied to bothso-called on-demand and continuous type apparatuses. In particular, theon-demand type apparatus is advantageous for the following reason. Morespecifically, at least one drive signal for causing an abrupttemperature rise exceeding nucleate boiling in correspondence withrecording data is applied to an electro-thermal converter arranged incorrespondence with a sheet for holding a liquid (ink) or a liquidchannel, thus causing the electro-thermal converter to produce heatenergy. The heat energy is applied to the heat application surface ofthe recording head to cause film boiling, and as a result, a bubble in aliquid (ink) can be formed in one-to-one correspondence with the drivesignal. The liquid (ink) is discharged via a discharging opening upongrowth/shrinkage of the bubble, thus forming at least one droplet. It ismore preferable to use a pulse drive signal since growth/shrinkage ofbubbles can be immediately and properly performed, and a liquid (ink)discharging operation having a short response time can be attained. Asthe pulse drive signal, one described in U.S. Pat. Nos. 4,463,359 and4,345,262 is suitable. In addition, if conditions described in U.S. Pat.No. 4,313,124 disclosing the invention associated with a rate oftemperature rise of the heat application surface are adopted, betterrecording operations can be performed.

As an arrangement of the recording head, in addition to an arrangement(linear liquid channel or right-angle liquid channel) as a combinationof discharge orifices, a liquid channel, and electro-thermal converters,as disclosed in the above-mentioned specifications, an arrangement whichhas a heat application portion arranged in a curved region, as disclosedin U.S. Pat. Nos. 4,558,333 and 4,459,600 is included in the presentinvention. In addition, the present invention is also effective with anarrangement which has a common slit serving as a discharge portion of aplurality of electro-thermal converters, as disclosed in Japanese PatentApplication Laid-Open No. 59-123670, and with an arrangement which hasorifices, corresponding to a discharge portion, for absorbing a pressurewave of heat energy, as disclosed in Japanese Patent ApplicationLaid-Open No. 59-138461.

As a recording head of a full-line type having a length corresponding tothe width of a largest recording medium which can be recorded by therecording apparatus, an arrangement achieving a prescribed length bycombining a plurality of recording heads as disclosed in the abovespecifications, or an arrangement of a single, integral recording headmay be adopted.

Moreover, the present invention is also effective when an exchangeablechip type recording head, which electrically connects with an apparatusmain body, and ink supply from the apparatus main body when it isattached to an apparatus main body, or a cartridge type recording head,integrally arranged on a recording head itself, is used.

It is preferable to add a recovery means, a preliminary assist means,and the like for a recording head as an arrangement of a recordingapparatus of the present invention since a recording operation can befurther stabilized. More specifically, these means include a cappingmeans, a cleaning means, a compression or suction means, a preheatingmeans consisting of an electro-thermal converter, a heating elementseparate from the converter, or a combination of these, and the like. Inaddition, it is also effective to execute a preliminary discharge modebefore recording so as to attain a stable recording operation.

Furthermore, as a recording mode of the recording apparatus, in additionto a recording mode using only principal colors such as black, thepresent invention may be applied to an apparatus which comprises atleast one of a multi-color mode using different colors, and a full-colormode based on color mixing, which may be attained by integrallyarranging a recording head or by combining a plurality of recordingheads.

In the embodiment of the present invention described above, a liquid inkis used. The present invention may use an ink which is solid at roomtemperature, or an ink which is softened at room temperature. Theabove-mentioned ink-jet apparatus generally performs temperature controlwithin a range between 30° C. and 70° C., so that an ink viscosity canfall within a stable discharge range. For this reason, an ink need onlybe liquified when a recording signal to be used is applied. In addition,a temperature rise caused by heat energy is prevented by positivelyusing the heat energy as energy for changing an ink state from a solidstate to a liquid state, or an ink which is solidified when it is leftunused is used for the purpose of preventing evaporation of an ink. Inany case, the present invention is applicable to inks which can beliquified upon application of heat energy, such as an ink which isliquified upon application of heat energy according to a recordingsignal, and is discharged as an ink liquid, or an ink which begins to besolidified when it reaches a recording medium. In this case, an ink mayoppose an electro-thermal converter while being held in recess portionsor through holes of a porous sheet, as disclosed in Japanese PatentApplication Laid-Open No. 54-56847 or 60-71260. In the presentinvention, the most effective apparatus for the above-mentioned inks isan apparatus for executing the above-mentioned film boiling method.

What is claimed is:
 1. A method for use in a communication controlsystem between a device for outputting image data and a recordingapparatus for recording an image on a recording medium in accordancewith the image data output from the device, said method comprising thesteps of:requesting, from the device to the recording apparatus,information associated with a print area excepting a margin on therecording medium; sending back the information associated with the printarea from the recording apparatus to the device in response to a requestfrom the device in said requesting step; and outputting a control signalfrom the device to the recording apparatus for designating the printarea on the recording medium in response to the information associatedwith the print area; and recording an image corresponding to image dataoutputted from the device, on the print area designated on the basis ofthe control signal.
 2. A method according to claim 1, wherein theinformation associated with the print area output in said requestingstep indicates a size of a margin area on the recording medium.
 3. Amethod according to claim 1, wherein the control signal output in saidoutputting step designates a size of the print area on the recordingmedium.
 4. A method according to claim 1, wherein the control signaloutput in said outputting step designates a record start position on theprint area.
 5. A method according to claim 1, wherein said step ofrecording the image on the recording medium comprises discharging inkfrom a discharge outlet of an ink-jet recording head of the recordingapparatus.
 6. A method according to claim 5, wherein during saidrecording step, heat energy generating means of the ink-jet recordinghead, arranged in correspondence with the discharge outlet, heats theink, thereby causing a change in state of the ink, and discharges theink from the discharge outlet based on the change in state, therebyforming a flying liquid droplet.
 7. A method according to claim 5,wherein, in said recording step, the ink-jet recording head dischargesinks of a plurality of colors from the discharge outlet.
 8. A methodaccording to claim 7, wherein during said recording step, heat energygenerating means of the ink-jet recording head, arranged incorrespondence with the discharge outlet, heats the ink, thereby causinga change in state of the ink, and discharges the ink from the dischargeoutlet based on the change in state, thereby forming a flying liquiddroplet.
 9. A recording apparatus for recording an image on a recordingmedium in accordance with image data output from a data output device,using a recording head having a plurality of recording elements, saidrecording apparatus comprising:main scan means for executing a main scanby the recording head to thereby record on the recording medium an imageof a predetermined recording width corresponding to the plurality ofrecording elements; sub-scan means for executing a sub-scan by adistance corresponding to the predetermined recording width aftercompletion of the main scan; sending means for sending to the dataoutput device information associated with a print area excepting amargin on the recording medium in response to a request signal from thedata output device; and receiving means for receiving a control signalfor designating the print area, sent from the data output device inresponse to the information associated with the print area sent from thesending means, wherein the recording head records the image data outputfrom the data output device on the print area of the recording mediumdesignated on the basis of the control signal received by said receivingmeans.
 10. An apparatus according to claim 9, wherein the informationassociated with the print area indicates a size of a margin area on therecording medium.
 11. An apparatus according to claim 9, wherein a sizeof the print area on the recording medium is designated by the controlsignal.
 12. An apparatus according to claim 9, wherein a record startposition on the print area is designated by the control signal.
 13. Anapparatus according to claim 9, wherein said main scan means executesthe main scan by moving the recording head in a direction different froman array direction of the plural recording elements.
 14. An apparatusaccording to claim 13, wherein the recording head records an image byejecting ink droplets through a discharge outlet.
 15. An apparatusaccording to claim 14, wherein the recording head ejects ink dropletsthrough discharge outlets by causing a change in state of ink by meansof thermal energy.
 16. An apparatus according to claim 14, wherein therecording head includes a plurality of recording heads, and each of theplurality of recording heads records a different color by ejecting inkdroplets of one of a plurality of colors.
 17. An apparatus according toclaim 16, wherein each of the plurality of recording heads ejects inkdroplets through discharge outlets by causing a change in state of inkby means of thermal energy.
 18. An apparatus according to claim 9,further comprising process means for binarizing image data sent from thedata output device.
 19. An apparatus according to claim 18, wherein therecording head records an image by ejecting ink droplets through adischarge outlet.
 20. An apparatus according to claim 19, wherein therecording head ejects ink droplets through discharge outlets by causinga change in state of ink by means of thermal energy.
 21. An apparatusaccording to claim 19, wherein the recording head includes a pluralityof recording heads, and each of the plurality of recording heads recordsa different color by ejecting ink droplets of one of a plurality ofcolors.
 22. An apparatus according to claim 21, wherein each of theplurality of recording heads ejects ink droplets through dischargeoutlets by causing a change in state of ink by means of thermal energy.23. An apparatus according to claim 9, wherein the recording headrecords an image by ejecting ink droplets through a discharge outlet.24. An apparatus according to claim 23, wherein the recording headejects ink droplets through discharge outlets by causing a change instate of ink by means of thermal energy.
 25. An apparatus according toclaim 23, wherein the recording head includes a plurality of recordingheads, and each of the plurality of recording heads records a differentcolor by ejecting ink droplets of one of a plurality of colors.
 26. Anapparatus according to claim 25, wherein each of the plurality ofrecording heads ejects ink droplets through discharge outlets by causinga change in state of ink by means of thermal energy.
 27. A data outputapparatus for outputting image data to a recording apparatus whichrecords an image of a predetermined recording width on a recordingmedium by executing a main scan by at least one recording head having aplurality of recording elements, said data output apparatuscomprising:request signal output means for outputting to the recordingapparatus a request signal for requesting information associated with aprint area excepting a margin on the recording medium; and controlsignal output means for outputting to the recording apparatus a controlsignal for designating the print area on the recording medium inresponse to the information associated with the print area sent from therecording apparatus.
 28. A data output apparatus according to claim 27,wherein the information associated with the print area indicates a sizeof a margin area on the recording medium.
 29. A data output apparatusaccording to claim 27, wherein a size of the print area on the recordingmedium is designated by the control signal.
 30. A data output apparatusaccording to claim 27, wherein a record start position on the print areais designated by the control signal.
 31. A data output apparatusaccording to claim 27, wherein the recording apparatus includes aplurality of recording heads of respectively different recording colors,and the data output apparatus outputs to the recording apparatus imagedata of plural colors corresponding to the plurality of recording heads.32. A data output apparatus according to claim 31, wherein each of theplurality of recording heads records an image by ejecting ink dropletsthrough discharge outlets in accordance with image data.
 33. Anapparatus according to claim 32, wherein each of said plurality ofrecording heads ejects ink droplets through discharge outlets by causinga change in state of ink by means of thermal energy.